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Rock Hall Announces Nominees for Class of 2015

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has announced the nominees for the Class of 2015. The list includes the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Green Day, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Kraftwerk. the Marvelettes, N.W.A., Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, the Smiths, the Spinners, Sting, Stevie Ray Vaughan, War and Bill Withers. Arguably the most popular pop-punk band of all time, Green Day, nominated in its first year of eligibility, appears to be a lock at getting inducted. Industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails deserve to be inducted just on account of seminal albums such as The Downward Spiral but frontman Trent Reznor has recently padded his resume by working on the soundtracks to films such as The Social Network and Gone Girl. Given the band's Cleveland roots, it would be great if it were inducted when the ceremony takes place in town.

“We are pleased to present this group of nominees, as they represent the myriad places where rock and roll converges with blues, electronic, dance, Motown, R&B, funk and other genres,” says Joel Peresman, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, in a press release. “Rock and roll incorporates the styles of so many different kinds of music and that’s what makes this group of nominees – and this art form – so powerful and unique.” As has been the case for the past couple of inductions, the public can cast a vote at the Rock Hall’s website. The top five vote getters will make up a fans' ballot, which counts as a single vote.The induction ceremony will be held here on April 18. Tickets have not yet gone on sale.